OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the number of Stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) education classes taught by physician assistants (PAs) and NPs.
METHODS: Descriptive analysis of data from the CMS Public Use File were calculated for 2010-2011 kidney disease education classes with particular focus on PAs and NPs.
RESULTS: In 2010, 4,580 individual and 1,612 group classes were held; one-third of individual classes and two-thirds of group classes were taught by PAs and NPs. In 2011, with a 32% increase in classes, the percentages of PA and NP instructors stayed the same. PAs and NPs predominantly teach home classes, group classes, and outpatient hospital classes.
CONCLUSIONS: Less than 7% of eligible patients were offered education classes in 2010-2011. An examination of Medicare billing data shows PAs and NPs are underused in patient education, an area in which they are uniquely qualified.
Written by:
Zuber K, Davis J. Are you the author?
Metropolitan Nephrology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
Reference: JAAPA. 2013 Jul;26(7):42-7.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23923530
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